Themed Learning Communities

A Themed Learning Community (TLC) is a group of two-four courses taken by the same set of approximately 25 students over the course of a semester. These courses are taught in a way that will allow you to explore a common theme across all of the courses in your TLC. Whether you are a student looking for a TLC or a faculty member or advisor who wants to learn more about starting a new TLC, we can help.

Discover the Benefits of TLCs

Being part of a TLC means that you are enrolled in the courses offered through particular TLC. Some students prefer TLCs because of the idea of having the same group of peers in a few classes. Others like that the classes offered through TLCs are covering one overall theme. Students can also enroll in a TLC because it is related to their major or just because they are interested in the topic!

Small Class Size: All TLCs are restricted to less than 25 students. This smaller class size allows students an opportunity to build friendships with each other early in their first semester.

Support and Mentoring: Each TLC offers a peer mentor who works together with the faculty team and others at the university to create a program that helps support incoming first-year students. Many students who have enrolled in a TLC have found that the comfortable environment allows them to make close connections with faculty and advisors as well as their peers.

Active Learning: All TLC instructional teams are encouraged to collaborate and create integrative assignments, interactive ways of teaching, engage in learning experiences outside of the classroom.

Grades and Successful Graduation: Students who have completed a TLC generally receive better grades than students who are not part of the TLC program. TLC participants are also more likely to stay in school.